Travel is more than just a destination; it’s a journey for the soul. But what happens when that journey ends, and you find yourself back home and sad?
If you’ve ever returned from a trip lacking motivation or longing for the adventure you just left behind, you’re not alone.
These feelings have a name: post-vacation blues or post-travel depression. It’s not a clinical diagnosis, but a very real and common emotional phenomenon that many of us experience.
It’s that feeling of coming back to reality, and it can leave you wondering why you feel down after such a wonderful holiday experience.
Why do we feel this way? It’s not a bad thing
The post-vacation blues are basically a reaction to the significant change in your environment and routine. Think about it: during your trip, your brain is flooded with new stimuli, experiences, and a sense of freedom. Your body’s chemistry is on a high, with increased levels of “feel-good” hormones like dopamine. You’re living in the moment, free from the stresses of work, household chores, and everyday living.
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So when you return home, your brain and body have to adjust. This sudden transition from “vacation mode” to “work mode” can feel jarring, resulting in the sadness you feel.
Post-vacation blues is also often rooted in a few key psychological shifts such as the loss of anticipation and a re-evaluation of your life. The planning and anticipation of a trip are often as enjoyable as the trip itself. So, when the adventure is over, that sense of excitement and having something to look forward to disappears.
And sometimes, a vacation gives us the space and perspective to see our daily lives from a new angle. While this can lead to a healthy reassessment, it can also highlight areas you’re unsatisfied with.
The most important thing to remember is that feeling this way is not a sign of ingratitude or that your trip was a mistake. Instead, it’s proof that you created something truly special.
The sadness you feel is a byproduct of the joy you experienced. It’s proof that you created powerful memories that had a profound impact on you.
How to prepare for post-vacation blues
While you can’t completely prevent it, you can definitely soften the landing.
Before you go:
Leave a “welcome home” gift for yourself
Take a little time to prepare your home for your return. This small act of kindness to your future self means you won’t return to a mountain of chores.
Schedule a Buffer Day
Instead of flying home on Sunday night and heading straight to work on Monday morning, schedule a “buffer day” to decompress. Use this day to unpack, rest, and ease back into your regular routine. This gives your body and mind time to adjust.
Plan a mini adventure
The key to a soft landing is having something to look forward to. Before you leave, schedule a small, enjoyable activity for the week you return. It could be a hangout with friends or a movie night. It helps to re-establish a sense of anticipation in your daily life.
Keep your itinerary flexible
While on vacation, try not to overschedule yourself. A hectic, back-to-back itinerary can be as draining as your normal life. Allow for some downtime to truly relax, recharge, and be present in the moment. At Leryhago, we give our clients the flexibility of leisure days while on vacation.
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After you return
The trip is over, and the blues have set in. Now what? The goal isn’t to pretend the feelings aren’t there, but to gently move through them and integrate the positive aspects of your vacation into your everyday life.
Acknowledge and reflect
Give yourself permission to feel sad or nostalgic. Look through your photos, write in a journal, or share your stories with friends and family.
Bring a piece of the trip home
Did you fall in love with a certain dish? Try to cook it at home. Did you discover a newfound love for long walks? Incorporate them into your daily routine. Doing things like this can help you extend the feeling of adventure.
Prioritize self-care
Vacations often involve a break from healthy habits. Get back to your regular sleep schedule as soon as possible.
Start planning the next adventure
There’s no cure for the travel bug, and the best way to move past one trip is to get excited about the next. Even if it’s just a weekend getaway or a staycation, the act of planning and anticipating a new journey can provide a much-needed boost of motivation.
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